Georgia Walsh's death results in careless driving charge

Toronto police have charged a 50-year-old man in the death of Conservative party president John Walsh’s six-year-old daughter, who was struck by a van in Toronto in mid-July.

Police say the man has been charged with careless driving and failing to stop at a red light.

Georgia Walsh died after being struck by a Toyota minivan at the intersection of Millwood Road and McRae Drive, south of Eglinton Avenue, on July 16.

The driver’s first court appearance will be September 8. Police did not release his name in their statement.

The Walsh family issued a statement Thursday.

“The Toronto Police Service have informed us today that the investigation surrounding the death of our daughter Georgia Walsh will result in charges being laid. We thank them for their exhaustive investigation,” John and Jillian Walsh said in the statement. “At this time we pray for all the families involved in this tragedy. We will have no further comment on the matter and ask for privacy as we deal with our loss.

“We would like to thank the thousands of individuals who have sent their thoughts and prayers.”

Police allege that Walsh was struck as the minivan was making a right from McRae Drive to Millwood Road.

Leaside locals have complained that construction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has pushed more drivers to take side streets to avoid traffic.

“This has been a concern for Leaside residents, they are seeing a lot more traffic and it’s the summer holidays, so there are a lot of kids around. People are cutting through the residential streets,” Staff Sgt. Matt Moyer told the Post earlier this month.

Toronto police said they would be performing additional patrols of the area after Walsh’s death.